5514 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for the Environment

5514 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for the Environment: Has she received any advice on the implementation of a mandatory product stewardship scheme for small batteries, and if so, what does it recommend?

Hon Penny Simmonds: I have received initial advice from the Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry) on product stewardship schemes for the six products that were declared priority products in 2020. Industry has proposed two product stewardship schemes that include managing environmental harm when batteries become waste, where the size of the battery determines which scheme applies. Small batteries are considered part of the broader e-waste product stewardship scheme. The initial phase, led by TechCollect New Zealand, has been completed but further steps are necessary to finalize the scheme design. The proposed design suggests a stage approach, with batteries being part of stage 2. I am advised the Ministry is also discussing with stakeholders the issues associated with batteries, and what further activities could be undertaken through product stewardship schemes to support the safe management of batteries at end of life, including the possibility of aligning with international best practice.